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Name: The Mint

Venue: Pub/restuarant/music venue

Location: Academy Street, Coatbridge

* MY REVIEW *

If you live in North Lanarkshire, as I obviously do, you will undoubtedly know that attractions in this wee niche of Scotland are few and far between. Thank God then (or the owner, at least) for The Mint, the classiest, friendliest and most enjoybale venue around.

The Mint is situated in a strange area, surrounded by some extremely expensive traditional homes and across the road from a rather archaic library. These tame surroundings, however, have no bearing upon the atmosphere of this pub. A combination of a bar, a restaurant and a music venue make this a very versatile socialising point. Over the years the music scene in this pub has gained infamy, with some really great bands performing (my friend happens to be playing bass in a band there tonight, anyone in the area should check it out, it's free entry!).

The first thing I'd like to review is the restuarant area. Recently decorated, The Mint is very classy and cosy, with low-lighting and rich brown leather booths for seating. A conservatory is reserved for meals alone, but there is also a large eating area within the bar itself so that customers can enjoy a meal whilst watching a band or a comedian. The menu is extensive, and the chef is absolutely superb. With a great variety to choose from at very reasonable prices, it's a great place for a meal among friends. I would particularly recommend the monkfish tail, which is not only really unusal, but very tasty! Service in the restaurant area is speedy and the waiting staff are always polite and helpful. What will really attract some people is the fact that The Mint is entirely non-smoking, meaning you can enjoy your meal without breathing in any disgusting fumes.

The bar staff are also extremely friendly. They're even amiable in the face of my demanding boyfriend, who asks for the ridiculous concoction of a White Russian cocktail every time we're in, which is a mother to make. You never have to wait longer than a minute or two to be served, which is always a plus. The only negative is that prices for drinks aren't cheap. If you're planning on a cheap night out at the pub, perhaps you'd be better down at The Vulcan! However, I do commend the variety of wine on offer in The Mint, and the House red is always a pleasant surprise.

As a music venue, The Mint is fantastic. The newly refurbished upstairs area is now devoted to bands and comedians, meaning those eating downstairs who don't want to be disturbed can do so in peace. Recent tours by Ian McNab have gone down a storm in The Mint, and there's been plenty of good up and coming bands showcasing themselves here. I've only been to one comedy night, which was quite good, although I'm not really a fan of stand-up comedy. Another plus is that soundproofing in here is top notch, so there's no early finishing to save the neighbours!

The Mint is definitely a venue that you should visit should you have the chance. If you want to eat, drink, or see a band in a friendly atmosphere, this is just the place. You also don't need to worry about annoying under-agers, as the bar staff are well known for being vigilant against this. Anyone in the North Lanarkshire or even Glasgow area should make a trip here, it's definitely worthwile! I'd give it 5 stars, but the pirce of drinks pulls it down ever so slightly.

For those of you interested, you can find The Mint's comprehensive website at:

http://www.themint.tk

If you don't live nearby and want to get there, I suggest taking the train to Sunnyside station. From there you head towards the town centre, go straight up the hill, turn right, turn left, down the raod a bit and viola! you're there! Or, you could just phone a taxi!